EFCC Chairman Distances Commission From Lagos Director’s Foreign Fees Remarks
By Sherif Salau
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede has distanced the anti fraud agency from the remarks made by the Lagos Director on lawyers collecting briefs in foreign denominations.
Olukoyede made the explanation when the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) led a their President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN visited the EFCC boss.
The NBA President commended Olukoyede for his steadfastness in prosecuting and investigating corrupt individuals and recovering proceeds of crime and acknowledged the EFCC’s contribution to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.
She however, urged the Commission to adopt a measured approach to investigations and arrests. She called for a reduction in sensational arrests and media trials.
On the controversy surrounding lawyers charging professional fees in foreign currencies, the NBA President sought clarity. She emphasised that charging such fees does not, in itself, constitute a criminal offence and that no person should be prosecuted for an offence unknown to law.
The issue arose after the Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, was reported on the Commission’s official X account on Friday, 11 September 2026, to have called on legal practitioners to desist from what he described as the illegal and unethical practice of charging clients in foreign currencies.
He added that the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable. The comments were made while receiving a delegation of the NBA Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law.
Clearing up the Commission’s position, Olukoyede stated that he remains the official spokesperson of the EFCC on matters of general policy.
He explained that statements made by the Lagos Zonal Directorate on the issue should not be taken as the Commission’s general policy position without hearing from the appropriate authority.
The EFCC boss noted that the comments attributed to the Lagos Zonal Director had been taken out of context and did not accurately reflect the Commission’s stance.
He said the importance of proper context and accurate interpretation of statements by EFCC officials, especially where such statements affect the legal profession.
Olukoyede assured the NBA delegation that the Commission would continue to carry out its duties transparently and strictly within the law.
He opened up that petitions would only be investigated where the issues fall within the EFCC’s statutory mandate and applicable financial-crimes legislation.
The EFCC boss acknowledged concerns about media trials and overzealous conduct by some personnel, emphasising the need for professionalism and respect for the law.
He appreciated the NBA for its collaboration with the Association in promoting compliance, preventing financial crimes and strengthening ethical standards within the legal profession.
